Helsinki Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Helsinki and surrounding areas
Helsinki celebrates Christmas 2025 across the historic Senate Square and nearby Old Market Square where holiday lights and seasonal things to do fill the air with festive cheer and plenty of holiday activities. From Tuomaan Markkinat Christmas Market and Vanhan Joulutori to the Seimi Christmas Concert, Helsinki’s Santa visits, concerts and market stalls invite families to browse crafts, sip glögi and enjoy festive entertainment against the backdrop of iconic churches and waterfront promenades.
Find the best Helsinki Christmas happenings this year!
Start Here
Christmas Markets
29 eventsHelsinki's oldest outdoor Christmas market with a carousel.
Christmas Parties
11 eventsExclusive Christmas party for Estonian companies
Christmas Shows
10 eventsA timeless Christmas ballet tradition with Tchaikovsky's music.
Other Christmas Activities
16 eventsCommunity caroling for a global cause
Editor's Picks (6)
-
Tuomaan Markkinat Christmas Market
Helsinki's oldest outdoor Christmas market with a carousel.
-
Vanhan Joulutori - Old Christmas Market
Historic venue hosting a curated selection of Finnish artisans.
-
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King Ballet
A timeless Christmas ballet tradition with Tchaikovsky's music.
-
Hanna Kinnunen and Teemu Roivainen: The Most Beautiful Christmas
(Vihti)
Christmas concert by Tähdet tähdet finalists Hanna Kinnunen and Teemu Roivainen.
-
Tallinn Christmas Market
(Tallinn)
Europe's richest glögi selection and traditional handmade truffles.
-
The Old Great Square's Christmas
(Turku)
Traditional Christmas market with artisan vendors and live performances.
This Week / Coming Up (6)
Christmas Lights Near Helsinki
Additional holiday activities and unique Christmas experiences in Helsinki.
Esplanadin ja keskustan jouluvalaistukset
Experience the enchanting Christmas lights that illuminate Helsinki's Esplanadi Park and city center....
View full details →Christmas Light Installations for Homes and Businesses
Transform your property into a winter wonderland with professional Christmas light installations. They...
View full details →View Our Interactive Map for More Events Around Helsinki
Discover thousands of christmas events across the country
Also Near Helsinki
Helsinki Christmas FAQ
The Tuomaan Markkinat (St. Thomas Christmas Market) in Senate Square is Helsinki's largest and most traditional Christmas market. Other significant events include various design and craft markets that draw large crowds.
Helsinki embraces traditions like the opening of the Christmas street lights, the prevalence of sauna during winter, and the focus on Finnish design in Christmas markets. Enjoying glögi (mulled wine) and traditional Finnish Christmas foods are also key.
The city center, especially around Senate Square and the Esplanadi, is beautifully illuminated. Residential areas like Eira and Ullanlinna are also known for their charming, festive home decorations.
Senate Square hosts the main Tuomaan Markkinat, while other markets featuring local makers and designers often pop up in areas like the Old Church Park or within design districts.
Enjoying the city's extensive Christmas lights, visiting free markets, attending free concerts in churches, and exploring public squares are excellent free options. Many libraries also offer complimentary holiday programming.
Families often enjoy the Christmas markets with carousels and Santa visits, festive theatre performances, and outdoor ice skating rinks. Many shopping centers also offer kid-friendly holiday entertainment.